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of underpinning to the existing foundations. The formation level of the basement was around 3.8m. The lateral pressures at this depth needed to be accommodated in staged excavation to maintain the integrity of the surrounding environment. This was achieved through temporary works design consisting of horizontal props at various key locations which were altered and modified as the basement expanded. A large degree of structural steel was installed to support the upper floors and a major challenge was calculating the positioning of large steels into a small space. With precise planning, a series of structural steels were manoeuvred into position in Part-vaulted ceilings and glazed doors bring light into the kitchen the basement ceiling void to support the internal walls. Over six months, 80 sq m of additional light-filled living space was created on the lower ground floor with 2.7m ceiling heights. Following the formation of the Heritage issues and an archaeologically sensitive site basement shell, the fit-out works were some of the challenges facing Liam Dower MCIOB commenced with the installation of on a St Albans property extension mechanical ventilation and pumping of wastewater to ensure the space accommodated a diverse range of St Albans is a city steeped in history. In such a high-profile area, project The cathedral dates back 1700 years management was key. Timed deliveries uses, from showering in the wet room to watching TV in the media room. and is situated among the remains of outside peak traffic times had to Ten months later, the residence is the Roman city of Verulamium. be factored into the construction a beautifully appointed family home Dower Developments engaged management plan and meticulous over three light-filled floors, with a us to transform a dilapidated period care taken to avoid damage to the detached home office in the garden. ● two-bedroom cottage, in the heart surrounding environment. of the Cathedral Quarter, into a The project included a basement St Albans Basement is a chartered 180 sq m, four-bedroom property construction, a double-storey building company (CBC), owned with a unique living arrangement. extension, whole-house refurbishment and managed by Liam Dower. Construction work in this and landscaping. The confined and conservation area – known for sensitive nature of the site meant we its wealth of below-ground had to deploy specialists and more heritage and archaeology, with traditional methods of construction, internationally significant sites – while the development was monitored is not for the faint hearted. Works for items of archaeological interest. on a site that includes or has the Hand-digging in correlation with potential to include heritage assets conveyor belts removed excess earth. need to include a Heritage Statement The basement was constructed with Impact Assessment. through a strategic arrangement
New Roman
Liam Dower CV l After leaving
Loughborough University with a degree in Construction Engineering Management, Dower joined the Laing O’Rourke graduate management programme.
l Having gained
significant insight into large-scale construction projects and crucial experience in project management, Dower went on to establish St Albans Basement to provide a specialist basement construction service. He has worked on residential projects large and small, in conservation areas, on listed buildings and tricky inner-city sites.
l He is a chartered
builder.
The doublestorey extension incorporates a basement beneath
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